"A Pillar in the Community." A Fire Victim's Family Speaks Out

Published February 23rd, 2011

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It wasn't the first time a man from Marion County conducted an agricultural burn on his property. But when high winds blew the flames across the fire lines, 66 year-old Warren Wimberly lost his life.
"There's no amount of words," Wimberly's daughter, Warnitra Wimberly Told TV20, speaking out for the first time. "I will miss him greatly, I'll have a big hole in my life," she said.
Wimberly was issued a permit to burn 2 acres of property by the Division of Forestry Tuesday morning, but by afternoon the winds picked up.
Firefighters were still fighting the flames when they found Wimberly's body but it was far too late to save his life.
Wimberly's daughters told TV20 their father was a a teacher at Howard Middle School for thirty years, retiring 15 years ago. They said he was an active member in the community, most recently attending the Ocala Police Department's meetings to help curb local violence.
"He was a beautiful person," his daughter, Shan Wimberly said. "Very well rounded, good, good man. A pillar to the community, his church, family."
The family is planning to hold a service in memory of their father this weekend.